September 07, Colombo (LNW): In alignment with its mission to enhance Sri Lanka’s dairy sector, Browns Pharmaceuticals has partnered with DFCC Bank PLC and Market-Oriented Dairy (MOD) through the innovative ‘Kiri Wyawasabhiman’ Loyalty Program.
This tripartite collaboration is designed to support dairy entrepreneurs nationwide, especially during challenging periods, by ensuring easy access to essential products and services alongside various concessions and tailored financial products.
Through its Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) scheme, DFCC Bank offers dairy entrepreneurs a range of exclusive benefits, including special interest rates, flexible payment plans, and discounts on pharmaceuticals, medicines, and machinery from Browns Pharmaceuticals.
Additionally, the partnership will provide capacity-building programs, delivering comprehensive solutions to support business growth.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) highlights a three-pronged approach, integrating Browns’ 150-year legacy of trust, its extensive island-wide network, and unparalleled after-sales service with DFCC Bank’s expertise in MSME financing within the agriculture sector and its diverse financial product portfolio.
Combined with MOD’s credibility and resources, this collaboration establishes a strong foundation for the success of dairy entrepreneurs.
Mangala Wijesinghe, the Browns Group Cluster Chief Operating Officer – Pharmaceuticals Consumer and Integrated Engineering Solutions, emphasized that this dynamic partnership aligns with Browns Pharmaceuticals’ vision to uplift the nation’s dairy sector through sustainable, long-lasting solutions.
He expressed confidence in the MoU’s potential to positively impact the market’s growth and sustainability.
While Sri Lanka is largely self-sufficient in most animal products, dairy remains an exception. The consumption of dairy products has surged since the 1970s when the government embraced open economic policies.
Currently, Sri Lanka meets about 15-20 percent of its milk product needs, relying heavily on imported milk powder.
The dairy industry holds significant potential to contribute to Sri Lanka’s economic development. As a traditional industry with a history spanning thousands of years, milk production plays a crucial role in combating nutritional poverty across all age groups and provides extensive employment opportunities.
The government has set an ambitious target to increase dairy production towards achieving 50 percent self-sufficiency in milk.
To reach this goal, the industry must grow by approximately 15 percent annually over the next eight years, a challenging feat given the current industry conditions that only supply about 20 percent of the nation’s dairy needs.
This is a stark contrast to two decades ago when domestic sources provided nearly 80 percent of the country’s milk consumption before the economic liberalization in 1977.
Given the current levels of malnutrition, particularly among pre-school children and pregnant mothers, increasing milk production is vital for improving the nation’s nutritional status.
